TackleTour

Hi guys,
I am planning on having a local gentlemen build two casting rods for my wife and I, specifically for kokanee jigging. Currently she is using a St. Croix Avid casting 66MLF--great rod but has just a little too much power. I have a custom St Croix SC4 66MLF casting rod built about 10 years ago--seems to be about the perfect power and action but it's an older rod and I would like something a little newer

Looked at the Rod Geeks Carbon 4 line and the specs of their 66mlf look nearly identical to my current custom St Croix, just newer. Price seems good too. Would the carbon 4 blanks be any better than a 10 year old St Croix SC4 blank?

Any suggestions on other blanks/blank companies I should look at that might have similar specs, 1/8-3/8oz (maybe up to 1/2), fast action and around the $100-130 range?

If you want something with a little more power, to comfortably reach that half ounce, my recommendation would be the Phenix Umbx 606L or 700L.
If you can swing another 20 bucks, I can't recommend Point Blank enough. 661lf or 691mlxf. I have the latter, and it's one of my favorite blanks.

Couple others to consider . . .

Point Blank PB661MLXF
MHX NSJ812

Thank you guys for the suggestions.
I tried an xf rod awile back and found that it got into the power too quick. Using braid to vertical jig a fish with a soft mouth that likes to jump, led to a lot of lost fish. Fast taper seems to be a bit more forgiving.

Guessing zero comments on the Rod Geeks means there are better options around that price.
The Phenix looks a little too powerful (same numbers as the SC Avid).... great price though.
Didn't think of the MHX but the nsj782 looks interesting.
I looked at Point Blank. The 66mlf looks very nice but if I keep adding costs, the wife might give me that look
Hard to justify an expensive rod used for a 14-18" fish.

Don't overlook Rainshadow. The Immortal series is nice. Check out getbitoutdoors.com

The Rod Geeks blank is the most up to date version of the SC 4SMLF. It is made with the same material and mandrel. Unfortunately, they are currently not shipping.